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With the NFL season coming to a close, the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers are all looking for new coaches, while the Indianapolis Colts and a number of others could join that list soon. That means some college coaches could be rumored for jobs, starting with Alabama coach Nick Saban.
Assuming #Colts part ways with Chuck Pagano, they'll think big on coaches. Expected to make Nick Saban & Sean Payton say no before moving on
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2016
Saban was previously linked to the Colts' wish list. He's already addressed job rumors in general this season, saying he intends to finish his career in Tuscaloosa. He tested the NFL waters for two forgettable seasons with the Miami Dolphins in 2005 and 2006, before returning to college to form a powerhouse in Tuscaloosa. Getting him back to the NFL won't be easy.
On #Bama coach Nick Saban: #Colts may join a LONG list of places that have tried to hire him — pro & college. He always says no. We'll see.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2016
There are two other college coaches whose names have been brought up as potential NFL hires: Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin and UCLA coach Jim Mora.
Two college coaches who, sources say, are trying hard to get to the NFL: UCLA's Jim Mora and Texas A&M's Kevin Sumlin...
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) January 3, 2016
Sumlin is having a tough time at Texas A&M, with a struggling offense. He just lost two former five-star quarterbacks to transfer and parted ways with his offensive coordinator. He has never coached in the NFL.
Mora led UCLA to a disappointing 8-5 season this year, but he has turned the Bruins around since arriving in Westwood four years ago. He previously coached the Atlanta Falcons and Seattle Seahawks. His father, Jim Mora Sr., also coached in the NFL.
Both Sumlin and Mora were tied to NFL coaching rumors in October.